Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Furriends asked if I got me a birdie - nooooooooooo, none of them fell out of the sky. I have only ever got one birdie caught, and mum reckons it must have died a natural death and then I dragged it in. It's not going to stop me trying to get number two though.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Birdies.............. if you would just come and jump down onto the picnic table and i can eat yoo for a snack. Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee............................................................................................

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Today I was outside chatting up birds. Remember how I said that mum and I put some bread and fruits outside on the shed roof? Well the sparrows discovered it this morning, so mum and I watched them have a sunday morning feast.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Today I helped mum by showing her the weeds in the pot plants. It turned out sunnier than expected here and even though I waited til 7:45 am to wake her and plead for biscuits mum didn't get up til after 9am. She went down to the local fruit and veg markets, then came back and we mowed the lawns and put all the old bread out for the birds.

A lazy afternoon lunch, then mum went for a walk in the sun and got the groceries. She had a prawn and veg stir fry with noodles for dinner, and I had the fancy feast.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

I loves my backyard, and this is my usual spots. Thats why there are lots of photos of me sitting here soaking up the rays. Today the sunshines went away for a while, and we think we are due for some rain which should be good for the gardens. Keep them looking tropical.

Monday, May 23, 2011

We got asked to share our apple tart tatin recipe, which we got off Masterclass. It was yummy, and even though it didn't look quite the same it was close. We served it with vanilla icecream !!!! Yummy.

2. Place the butter in the base of a cold, ovenproof pan and press down. Sprinkle over the sugar.

3. Place two of the apple quarters in the centre of the pan on top of the butter and sugar, and arrange the rest of the apples around, neatly overlapping. Leave room around the outside of the apples to tuck the pastry into.

4. Use a cutter or knife to create a circle of puff pastry which is slightly bigger than the pan used for the tart. Place the pastry over the top of the apples and tuck the edges tightly down inside the pan.

5. Place the pan over medium high heat on the stovetop. Allow the butter to melt and the sugar will start to caramelise. Carefully move the butter around the pan without disturbing the apples to get a coating on the edges of the pastry. Leave on the stovetop for approximately 8 minutes.

6. Brush the top of the tart with the melted butter and use a knife to create small holes in the pastry for the steam to escape. Place in the oven for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the apples are well cooked and the pastry is puffed and golden. Serve with mascarpone.

Tips

- Peel apples a day in advance to dry them out.

- Bring the tatin up to the caramel stage on the stove top before putting in the oven.

- Use the back of a spoon to tighten the pastry around the the outside of the apple.

- Also you need to use a heavy frypan, that has a handle that allows you to put it in the oven.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Mum and I had a busy day today. She went into town and sought out a new pan so she could make a special dessert. She found a necklace she wanted on sale, and got tights she needed. A big walk in the sun around the harbour was followed up by a visit to the supermarket. Then she came home and made a big lasagne and salad, and a fancy apple tarte tartin - that her friend said was the best ever!!

Friday, May 20, 2011

11 am here and I am out in the backyard, soaking up more rays. Mum has enjoyed being on evening shifts this week, as she has got to spend the mornings with me. We get to have breakfast and lunch together, and then a late supper before bed. Life is good.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

This morning mum found this HUGE parcel in the post box - it was for ME!!!!

Inside was lots of yummy treats, and some wonderful DVDs to watch.

And this AMAZING QUILT - look it has Poppies on it and a Q - that's for me, cos I'm Poppy Q. It fits perfectly on my chair in the living room. A bijillion thanks to our lovely friends Leanne and Abbey at http://cottagetails.blogspot.com/ . This made us smile all day - thank you so much friends.

Blogging has bought some special new friends into our life, people and cats from around the world and we are thankful to have met them all.

Monday, May 16, 2011

I do like my box. Mum noticed on the days when she was home sick, that I headed off to my box at about 10am and spent most of the day snoozing here. I sometimes move back into it in the evening, but once mum starts snoring I go in and climb onto her bed, and crawl between her knees. She never hears me come in, but always finds me there when she wakes up.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

The weather had its revenge last night with buckets of rain, howling winds and cool temps. It did calm down at lunchtime though, and the sun came out. Mum had friends over for afternoon tea and they were able to sit outside and have a little picnic. We can't believe it is only a month til the shortest day here. Have a good week everybuddy.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

They tell us on the news, that it has been the warmest May in ages. It has even been warmer here in New Zealand then in Australia. Last week, some of our cities have had temperatures of 25 degrees (C) in the middle of the day. It hasn't been quite that hot here, but mum and I have enjoyed the mild sunny days in the garden. We mustn't get too used to it though, they say that cold southerlies are blowing up from the Antarctic heading towards us.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Mum and I have square eyes from so much tv since she has been sick. She has read about 6 books and done a bijillion sudokus, and browsed the internets. Hopefully as she is feeling a bit better, she can head out for a walk soon.